Elephants are among the largest land mammals found mainly in Africa and Asia. They are known for their astuteness, intricate social interactions and ecological vitality. They play an essential role in maintaining biodiversity. However, their existence is threatened due to various factors: habitat loss, conflict between humans and wildlife, and poaching. Thus, conserving these remarkable creatures is critical.
Types of Elephants
- African Elephants
- African Savannah Elephant, scientifically known as Loxodonta Africana, is the largest species found in the grasslands and the open plains in sub-Saharan Africa.
- African Forest Elephant, also called Loxodonta Cyclotis, are small in size and evasive in nature. They live in the dense rainforests of Central and Western Africa.
Characteristics:
● They have large ears shaped like the African continent.
● They are taller and heavier than the Asian elephants.
● Both male and female elephants have tusks.
● The African elephants opt for open landscapes and migratory routes for movement,
- Asian Elephants or Elephas Maximus
- These are found in the countries of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar and Southeast Asia.
- They are smaller in size compared to the African elephants.
- There are many subspecies like: Indian, Sri Lankan, Sumatran and Bornean elephants.
Characteristics:
● In most cases, only the male elephants have a tusk.
● They have a prominent dome head with two distinct bumps.
● They prefer the dense forests, grasslands as well as the hilly terrains.
Social Behaviour and Intelligence
There is no other creature in the animal kingdom as social and intelligent as elephants. They display several emotions like sadness, happiness and empathy. They express strong familial bonds.
- The elephants follow the matriarchal order. The herd is led by an older, experienced matriarch which includes mothers, daughters and young males. The male elephants also called the bulls depart from the group at the age of 14 or 15 years. They lead a solitary life or form a small bachelor group.
- Elephants can communicate over long distance using a combination of trumpet, rumble or seismic vibration. Even their low frequency call travels upto a distance of 10 km.
- Elephants have excellent memory. They have memorised the exact water body, migratory routes, and past experiences. Research also indicates that elephants can recognise themselves in the mirror. It’s a rare trait among animals.
Impact on Ecosystems
Elephants are often called keystone species because they impact the ecosystem greatly.
- Elephants eat massive amounts of vegetation. They produce elephant dung which contains abundant undigested fibers and seeds. It gets dispersed around the forest, enabling regeneration.
- Elephants also conserve water. They dig water holes in dry areas where a water source doesn’t exist. This provides a water source for other animals too.
- While moving from one place to another, elephants often knock down trees and clear pathways. These open spaces benefit many animals.
Challenges
● African elephants are poached for ivory in their tusks. Even though the trade of ivory is illegal, there is still a black market for it.
● Rampant deforestation by humans to build human settlements and expand agriculture is shrinking elephant habitats.
● Additionally, when elephants storm crops, the farmers retaliate, leading to a conflict.
● Despite efforts to maintain ethical elephant tourism, captive elephants are subject to harsh conditions to train and exploit them.
● When elephants are used in circuses or for religious purposes, their welfare is precarious.
Conservation Efforts
- Governments and NGO’s have invested in rangers, drones and AI technology to find poachers. Ivory trade has been banned altogether in China and UK to curb poaching.
- In Asia and Africa, steps have been taken to restore elephant habitats.
- Ethical tourism is on the rise. Sanctuaries are taking efforts for non-invasive elephant encounters, such that animals can thrive in their natural environment.
India’s Elephant Corridors
60% of the Asian elephants in the world are in India. There are 101 elephant corridors in India where elephants can migrate between forests and state borders safely. This helps reduce conflict between elephants and humans and in turn also prevents habitat loss. For instance, the Mudumalai-Bandipur-Nagahole Corridor is known for the conservation efforts where elephants can travel safely between state borders.
Famous Elephants Around the World
● The Untouchable Elephant also known as Ahmed in Kenya is an illustrious African elephant who has been under protection of the presidential decree in 1970s.
● Rajah is one of the largest elephants in Asia. He is in Sri Lanka and usually plays a vital role in temple processions.
● India’s Living Legend, Esha, is a matriarch in the Kaziranga National Park in Assam who has bravely survived floods and human encroachments.
Lessons to Learn from Echo, The Matriarch
In Amboseli National Park, thrived an African elephant Echo. She was one of the most studied elephant. Echo was born in the 1940s and she was the leader of her herd for over 50 years. She escorted them through natural calamities like droughts, threats from predators as well as human-animal conflict. But Echo’s story is not about her survival skills, rather it is about how it transformed conservation science. Dr. Cynthia Moss is a researcher who studied Echo’s behaviour. She observed the matriarch’s communication, leadership and emotions. For instance, when Echo realised a calf had injured their leg, she adjusted the herd’s movement speed. It showcased Echo’s high level of empathy. In 2009, Echo passed away.
Elephants represent strength and intellect. They are also vital in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. However, these magnificent creatures are now facing a threat. Global conservation efforts are necessary to shape their future. They require sustainable tourism and strong wildlife protection laws to ensure elephants can roam freely in the wild. Join us at Junglore to witness these legendary beauties in all their glory at one of our guided safari.